A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

[ChronoReverse]

Regarding one of the post about Musashi's sword style. As far as I know, he wield two swords only when he faced Yoshioka students because he was overwhelmed by their numbers. The small sword provides protection while the long sword hacks and slices..
He went back using only one sword when he faced Kojiro in the last duel.. similar situation like XSL facing Cao Cuidao..
So, I think there must be a big advantage using sword with 2 hands.. strength must be one of them..

You could say Musashi approached formlessness and used whatever was most suitable. He was also a master of psychological warfare and the use of his environment like XSL is.

Against's Kojiro's ridiculously long sword, Musashi countered with a really long pole sword (and sun in Kojiro's eyes)!

[chowbeng]

Musashi = XSL? I should think not, considering the years of development and self discovery Musashi had.
XSL's advantage lies in his knowledge of modern science and theory which is a mystery to people of that age.

[ChronoReverse]

Please, it's just a small comparison. But even Musashi didn't develop in a complete vacuum.

[kohchun]

You could say Musashi approached formlessness and used whatever was most suitable. He was also a master of psychological warfare and the use of his environment like XSL is.

Against's Kojiro's ridiculously long sword, Musashi countered with a really long pole sword (and sun in Kojiro's eyes)!

Actually,

1) Musashi fashioned a bokken (wooden sword) out of an oar on his way to the meet with Kojiro in Ganryu Island.
2) Well, Kojiro's sword was longer than most and hence aptly named "Drying Pole". The length of its blade was 90 cm vs the the conventional katana length of around 70-75cm. Actually, it was his swallow cut technique and his ability to control such a long sword which was fearsome

[ChronoReverse]

I said pole because he carved it out of the oar.

Sasaki's sword, despite its name, is still an actual sword.


The point is that Musashi was smart to use a long heavy wooden weapon against a long sword. It might seem he was especially skilled to win with a wooden sword but he actually had the advantage of weaponry.

Musashi was also clever in making Sasaki wait in order to drain his spirit and energy. By some accounts he also waited so that the sun would be in Sasaki's eyes.

If you read Musashi's (attributed) writings like the Book of Five Rings you can see how great his philosophy and intelligence was. It's only the shallow who think sword skill is merely itself.

[kohchun]

Lol. I'm sure you're right.

[Jaran.Saga]

Thanks Justin....
with a very tight competition in the Three Famous Stalkers and no much changes at the bottom.... here is the list...

NO	STALKER	POINT
1	wuxiacrazy	35
2	ycb5959	33
3	hirzy	29
4	Gubrak	27
5	Sunterjo	27
6	Anh Nam	23
7	crydee	20
8	ChronoReverse	20
9	Jaran.Saga	20
10	r_aribawono	19
11	dragonsense	17
12	szfong	16
13	kohchun	16
14	sunn	14
15	tweety365	12
16	deepbleu	11
17	Disbol	11
18	smurf120	10
19	chowbeng	8
20	Clown Prince	8
21	geraldsaw	8
22	Anok Cukai	7
23	Icefrog	6
24	lorrycai	5
25	Eagle	5
26	Pho lover	5
27	CNProf	5
28	teteq	4
29	balikpapan	4
30	bchin22	3
31	bsarwono	3
32	bakaten	3
33	Tenku	3
34	sauki	3
35	didilung	3
36	aliderhamy	3
37	yongbifan	3
38	Jeren of all Trades	2
39	ROI	2
40	yeancheant	2
41	nexus	2
42	efflix	1
43	fyre_fyre	1
44	oo_TLD_oo	1
45	harihari	1
46	9Dragons	1
47	hoangd	1

[Justin13]

Book 24 Chapter 10 Farewell Letters

Feng Fei and the others got home around one am that same night. Everyone is behaving in a joyful manner, indicating that the performance is a great success.

Several of the courtesans quietly entered his room to check on him. Resisting the urge to get up, Xiang Shaolong pretended to be sleeping in response to their invasion.

When the rear courtyard has more or less resumed its tranquility, Xiang Shaolong sat down in lotus position and began meditating according to Mozi’s teachings and rejuvenating breathing techniques. Before dawn, he took Hundred Battle Sabre to the garden for another round of practice.

He was glad that he left before the end of the banquet last night and is able to preserve the tiptop condition of his mental and physical strength.

Using both his hands to hold the sabre, he repeatedly maneuvered several moves, trying to simplify the process. Placing speed as his top priority, he fought an imaginary Cao Cuidao.

Fighting against this Sword Saint, even the ever-changing and incredible swordplay of Mozi became useless moves.

He can only gather the essence of scientific and modern attacks, merging it with his sabre play.

At that time, most of the other Troupe members are either dead drunk or still in dreamland. Delighted to be left undisturbed, he can focus his mind and concentrate on his warm up exercises.

He proceeded to the bathroom and enjoyed a cold shower. With his alertness at full capacity, he returned back to his room for another round of mediation. Shortly thereafter, Little Ping’er came to summon him.

At the breakfast table, the courtesans are in full attendance. Yunniang, the Head Musician cum Conductor, as well as several other accomplished musicians were present too.

For a start, Feng Fei represented everyone in expressing their gratitude for Xiang Shaolong. With her eyes full of reminiscence, she recounted: “At the end of Shuzen’s song, Prince (Tian) Jian officially announced the retirement of Feng Fei. The standing ovation of the audience is something I can never forget.”

Yunniang giggled: “Everyone who is present is honoured to have viewed First Mistress’s last performance.”

Zhu Xiuzhen enthusiastically described: “Last night, First Mistress’s performance is simply fantastic and even we are intoxicated by her singing. No one is able to retain his or her senses at her spellbinding vocals. For a while, we were worried that Second Mistress may put up an inferior performance due to the pressure from First Mistress. Luckily, Second Mistress is able to deliver a spectacular song, cumulating in a breathtaking finale of the Song & Dance presentation.”

Xiang Shaolong was perplexed: “Are you people trying to make me feel bad?” The ladies burst into shrill laughter at his teasing.

Dong Shuzen gratefully extended: “Li Yuan of Chu, Marquis Chuang of Han and Lord Longyang of Wei have officially invited us to perform at their respective States…”

Xinyue interrupted: “Only Great General of Qin has yet to officially invite us.”

The ladies began laughing again and the ambience is relaxing and friendly. This is also because the depressing mood of troupe disbandment no longer exists. Xiang Shaolong guffawed: “We are one big family right? When you people come over to Xianyang, it is as good as coming home. See, isn’t this better than an invitation?” The ladies burst out in giggles again.

Dong Shuzen wondered out loud: “What does First Mistress and Great General think of Fei Chun?” Both of them can tell that she is picking a new manager and praised her foresight.

After breakfast has concluded, Xiang Shaolong and Fei Fei went for a stroll in the garden. Both parties can feel a lump in their throats.

Feng Fei calmly state: “For the time being, I will not be going to Xianyang!”

Xiang Shaolong was taken aback: “Where does Mistress intend to go?”

Gazing at a particularly large cluster of clouds floating in the sky, Feng Fei replied: “Feng Fei is thinking of following Lady Qingxiu back to Chu and staying there for some time. I have grown tired of the extreme cold weather and would like to experience the marvelous sights of the south.”

Xiang Shaolong made a wild guess that she wanted to avoid Han Jie and nodded: “It is good to have a change of environment. Xianyang’s winter is quite tormenting as well.”

Feng Fei shot him a look: “Do not think that you have gotten rid of me; maybe one day, I will come looking for you at your residence and refuse to leave.”

Xiang Shaolong is conscious that she is joking and loudly laughed: “This is something no man in his right mind would reject. Seriously speaking, First Mistress must not forget to come and visit Little Brother.”

With a melancholic tone, Feng Fei enquired: “Is Great General leaving tonight?”

Xiang Shaolong answered in a deep voice: “If I can survive the duel, it would be unwise for me to hang around here.”

Feng Fei cheerfully exclaimed: “Great General is finally trusting Feng Fei wholeheartedly. With this knowledge, I will no longer have any regrets in life.”

She added in a gentle voice: “Feng Fei will rather die than divulge Xiang Shaolong’s secret.”

Xiang Shaolong reminisced that both of them have progressed from mutual distrust to mutual scheming to this final stage of mutually regarding each other as a confidante and could not help but feel his heart brimming with delight and comfort.

One of the touching moments about life is that ugliness and beauty can coexist in the same dimension. The human nature is an uneven object; depending on the angle you are viewing from, you will get a different perspective every time.

For example, it is challenging for him to classify Li Yuan or Han Chuang as villains.

Every person has his or her principles. When there are benefits involved and others are forced to act against you, you would naturally get angry and regard them with hatred.

Feng Fei suddenly mentioned: “It will be sunset before you know it. Aye, it is truly heartrending when I do not know if I can ever see Great General again in the future.”

At this juncture, Xiao Yuetan came to look for Xiang Shaolong, interrupting their farewell speeches. At the Eastern Chamber, Xiao Yuetan produced a stack of parchments and snickered: “I wrote these letters for you this morning. They are farewell letters to Lu Buwei, the King of Qi, newly promoted Crown Prince Tian Jian, Xie Ziyuan and not forgetting Li Yuan, Lord Longyang, Han Chuang and Zongsun Long. The letters to Li Yuan and Han Chuang are imbued with special meaning. After browsing through, do sign them if you have no issue with the content. After your successful departure, I will get Feng Fei to send them out on your behalf.”

Xiang Shaolong was worried: “Aren’t you concerned that Lu Buwei would recognize your handwriting?”

Xiao Yuetan assured: “I am well-versed in all kinds of handwriting and forgery; I guarantee that he would be unable to recognize it.”

Xiang Shaolong sighed with a praise: “Not harnessing the abilities of a talented man like yourself, Lu Buwei is as stupid as can be.”

Xiao Yuetan viciously reasoned: “He is purposely sacrificing me to divert suspicions away from himself. At the same time, he can use this opportunity to weaken the prowess of his Old Guard.”

Xiao Yuetan is a man who values relationships and is especially disgusted with Lu Buwei’s ungrateful behavior.

Right now, he is doing everything he can to assist Xiang Shaolong without any reservations is precisely because they are similar in nature.

Xiang Shaolong casually selected one of the letters and opened it up for a look. The letter read: Greetings to Marquis Chuang. By the time Lord Marquis is reading this letter, Shaolong is miles away. For me to leave without saying goodbye, I am forced by circumstances and Lord Marquis should know better than myself. I trust that you will not blame Shaolong for being impolite. Life is full of happiness and sorrow; coming and going; love and hatred, friendship and enmity. Now that we have split paths once again, our next meeting remains an unknown. I pray that everything will go smoothly for Lord Marquis and may Lord Marquis live a life of longevity. Yours sincerely, Shaolong.

Holding the letter, Xiang Shaolong burst out laughing: “When Han Chuang reads this letter, he would be experiencing a hundred and one emotions simultaneously. He would have trouble expressing his difficulties.”

Xiao Yuetan proudly selected another letter and passed to him, remarking: “This is for Li Yuan.”

Xiang Shaolong held up the letter and read: “Chancellor Li, my respected elder brother. Life is unpredictable and full of gatherings and separations. Recalling the times when we fight side by side and watching each other’s back with no reservations, the memory is still fresh within me. Regrettably, times have changed and the past cannot be repeated in the present. It is painfully lamentable. Now that Little Brother is on my way home, I sincerely wish Chancellor every success in your career and may you never be toppled.”

Slapping the table, Xiang Shaolong suggested: “Can we add two sentences? However, the copywriting has to be done by Elder Brother. I really love the hot-cold sarcastic style of writing.” He proceeded to tell Xiao Yuetan about last night when Li Yuan offered to escort him back from Qixia College.

Readied with a brush and ink, Xiao Yuetan held his laughter as he added to the end of the message: Regarding Chancellor’s desire to escort me, pardon Little Brother for not taking it up. I will never forget your kind gesture.

Xiang Shaolong slapped the table again and praised his intellect.

The other letters to the King of Qi, Zongsun Long, etc were rather ordinary and there was nothing noteworthy about the dictation. The letter to Lord Longyang is the most polite-sounding and appropriate emotions were highlighted in the letter, demonstrating Xiao Yuetan’s creative writing talent.

Scrutinizing Xiao Yuetan’s eyes, Xiang Shaolong observed: “Elder Brother must have worked through the night and even had to write these letters early in the morning.”

Xiao Yuetan chuckled: “Skipping a night of sleep is no big deal. The most important thing right now is to ensure that there is nothing distracting you. These letters also serve as a means to boost your fighting spirit. If you somehow lost the fight, these letters would have to be burnt.”

Slapping the table and standing up, Xiang Shaolong faced the sky and let out a long laughter: “Relax. I am current at the peak of my abilities. Be it a Sword Saint or a Sword Demon, I will give it everything I’ve got and would deny him victory at all costs.”

Stroking his beard, Xiao Yuetan smiled: “I am going to disguise myself and leave the city, heading to the designated place to bury your escaping equipment for tonight. I will send out the letters for Shaolong tomorrow!”

[sunn]

Yay ... another update!!!
Thanks Justin.

[hirzy]

thx justin

[Clown Prince]

Third??? Thanks Justin!

[ycb5959]

Thanks for the update!

[lawwoo]

Thanks Justin

[Gubrak]

Thank Justin.

he fought an imaginary Cao Cuidao.

Cao Qiudao 曹秋道 ?

[sunn]

So which one is correct ... 'Cao Qiudao' or 'Cao Cuidao' or maybe 'Cao Quidao'?

[Disbol]

Thanks Justin!

[Justin13]

Thank Justin.

he fought an imaginary Cao Cuidao.

Cao Qiudao 曹秋道 ?

thanks for pointing that out. It's Cao Qiudao. somehow my mind register cao cuidao and have repeating it throughout. Will take note.

[Justin13]

Requesting a short poll and kindly vote so that your interest is represented. Do vote within the next 24 hours.

Cao Qiudao's fight is one and a half chapters. Do you prefer

1) Long wait for full fight

or

2) two or three separate postings with guaranteed cliffhangers?

[Jaran.Saga]

Vote #2, with 30minutes between the posting

[tweety365]

#1 for me. I don't like cliffhangers.

Boy oh boy! So excited thinking about the big finale. And it's a long one too. I'm sure Huang Yi will not disappoint with the details. Not like Gu Long.

Thanks Justin!